Smog Season

The Lahore High Court proposed a ban on initiating new construction and development projects during the smog season to improve air quality. During a hearing on petitions addressing smog prevention, the court inquired about ongoing major projects in Lahore.

The government’s lawyer stated that five projects were currently underway, with the Shahdra project nearing completion.

The judge noted that existing projects posed no issues but suggested commencing work on the Babu Sabu interchange in February.

The judge also commended the idea of refraining from launching new projects during the smog season and requested the lawyer to provide a report on the project’s impact on air quality.

The lawyer also mentioned road realignment work, including Jail Road, and the judge emphasized the need for adequate spacing between U-turns.

Furthermore, the court highlighted the importance of water conservation and recommended the installation of water treatment plants in 10-marla houses. A proposal for this initiative was requested for the upcoming hearing.

“India-Canada Row” Could Impact U.S.-India Relations, Warns Official

Meanwhile,

According to an unnamed State Department official quoted by Politico, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has conveyed that relations between the two countries may experience a temporary downturn due to the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada over the Sikh leader’s killing.

Garcetti also suggested that the US might need to limit its interactions with Indian officials for an unspecified duration.

The diplomatic feud began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted on September 19 that there were “credible allegations” connecting Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia in June.